
Magic Kingdom is facing a wave of closures and refurbishments that will impact many classic attractions in 2025.
Fans planning their visits will have to navigate a series of temporary shutdowns, which could make their trips feel a little different than expected.
From Big Thunder Mountain Railroad being closed until 2026 to the upcoming temporary pause for the Liberty Square Riverboat and Astro Orbiter, there’s a lot happening at Disney’s most iconic park. These refurbishments are necessary to keep the magic alive, but they also mean that some beloved experiences will be off-limits for a while.
One attraction that recently made headlines is Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a long-time favorite in Fantasyland. Originally set to undergo a refurbishment in January 2025, Disney has now confirmed that the update will be delayed until February 24, 2025.
This unexpected shift means that guests visiting in early 2025 will still have access to the ride’s unique features before construction begins. Despite the delay, the ride itself will remain open, offering guests the chance to soar above Fantasyland with Dumbo while updates happen behind the scenes.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant has been a must-visit attraction for generations of Disney guests. Inspired by the 1941 animated film, the ride brings the story of Dumbo to life with whimsical music, colorful designs, and the ability for riders to control their flying experience. The addition of an interactive queue experience in 2012, as part of the New Fantasyland expansion, helped make the attraction even more enjoyable for families. This area allows guests to explore a circus-themed environment while waiting for their turn to ride, which has been a game-changer for many families with young children.
The upcoming refurbishment aims to enhance the attraction’s guest experience by updating elements that have seen years of wear and tear. While the ride will remain open, certain parts of the experience will be temporarily unavailable, which could affect wait times and guest flow.
Disney fans planning a visit should keep an eye on refurbishment schedules to adjust their itineraries accordingly.
With so many changes happening at Magic Kingdom, flexibility will be key to making the most of the experience. Whether it’s exploring newer attractions like TRON Lightcycle Run or sticking to classics like Pirates of the Caribbean, there’s still plenty of magic to enjoy even with a few closures on the horizon.